Page 32 of Until Now
I don’t want to burst her bubble, so I ignore the misconception.
“You were wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance. This is Maxen.”
“Hi. You were great. We all loved the play.”
“Well, hello there.”
Her words somehow sound sexual. I’m pissed but must stay calm as if it isn’t bothering me.
“And who are these handsome guys?” she says, looking at the boys.
Her list of admirers has just grown by two. Maybe it’s the low-cut top and the pushup bra she must be wearing.
“This is my son, Bing. And his friend, Hunter.”
A few beats pass where they do not respond. I’m pretty certain Brittney’s boobage is temporarily freezing their brain cells. I place a hand on Bing’s shoulder to prompt his response.
“Hi,” he says with a naughty smile.
“Aren’t you just the cutest?” Brittney says.
Oh, Lord.
“I know who you are, honey,” she says to Maxen.
He’s obviously surprised. “You do?”
“Oh, yes. Wait, let me see if I can find her … oh! Donna! Over here!”
What is that expression on Maxen’s face? Annoyance? Some sort of panic?
Walking toward us is one of the dancers. I recognize the costume, but the mask she wore onstage is gone. Damn, she’s a beauty.
“Hello, Maxen,” she says, coming to his side. “This is a surprise.”
She leans in for a cheek kiss.
“Hi, Donna. Yeah, I’m shocked.”
Brittney looks like she is enjoying the uncomfortable moment. “I saw you in the audience, Dr. Grant, and I pointed you out to my friend here. When she said she knew your date, I practically fainted!”
“It’s a very small world, isn’t it?” I say, holding back my own annoyance.
Maxen places his arm around my waist.
“This is my girlfriend, Dominique. And this is Bing, her son, and Hunter, my nephew.”
I have no right to be pissed, but I am. Donna completely ignores the introductions. So, I do too. Bing knows his mother’s face and is watching me like a hawk.
“When did you move back to Tennessee?” Donna says.
“I haven’t. I’m here to help Kim. She was in an accident.”
“How awful. Give her my love, please.”
You can take your love and drop-kick it into Georgia, you asshole.
“I will.”
